Thursday, May 27, 2010

Will North/South Korea Be The Next Combat Zone?

The US is again beating the war drum.

US Secretary of State Hilary Clinton failed to impress the Chinese to censure North Korea.

North Korea is dependent on China's patronage but there are enough crazies in Pyongyang who are prepared to forego the relationship should China change her stand.

With China not giving nod to US diplomatic attempt to get her to agree to more severe punishment for North Korea, full scale war is unlikely.

The North Koreans have serious homicidal tendencies.The 1983 Yangon bombing was a clear indication of how crazy these commies are.The assassination attempt on former President Chun Doo Hwan during his official visit to Myanmar spared him but killed 4 of his ministers and scores of South Korean officials.


AFP/Getty Images

South Korean soldiers stand Monday by loudspeakers near the DMZ separating the two Koreas.The South threatened to broadcast propaganda; the North gave its troops clearance to shoot at the speakers.

Without China's blessing any attempt by the US to use military force on North Korea is just too risky.The US can't afford a flare-up with China which can and will consume the whole region if it happened.

Sanctions have proven to be non-effective in bringing belligerent to the negotiating table.The UN Security Council should stop being bullied by the US to impose sanctions at their whim and fancy.Sanctions only make the ordinary people suffer, not the leaders.

Iraq and now Iran are examples of failure of sanctions to bring rogue states to the negotiating table. Both Iran and North Korea are now even more determine to build their weapon of mass destruction.

The US State Department is contemplating re listing North Korea as a state sponsor of terrorism which would justify a prelude to war.

Big brother China is the restrainer.
War is unlikely, the conflict will be settled by small cross-border skirmishes.

Let see how many visitors and commentators I get today.If you think the average American are insular, try Malaysians initiatives to know the rest of the world.

Tuesday, May 25, 2010

Sabah Toothless Politicians

Hantu Laut

I read a rather disturbing article posted in Lim Kit Siang's blog. A letter written by a dental surgeon who used to work as deputy director in the Dental Department of the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Sabah.

If what he wrote is true, which I do not doubt at all, than Sabah leaders ought to be ashamed of themselves for the injustice and harm they have inflicted on the children of Sabah.They should put the money in their mouths.

I do know for sure the water supply was fluoridated during the colonial days when I was still a student at school.How,why and when the state government decided to cease the practice I have no idea. I was under the impression that our water is always fluoridated.

The letter below explains it all.

I served as the Timbalan Pengarah Kesihatan (Pergigian) for Negeri Sabah from August 1987 to Nov 1990, In short I was posted from Johore to Sabah to take charge of the Dental Service there.

In 1985 a Survey of Dental Health of the School Children in Sabah was carried out, and I was part of that team that conducted that survey. My team covered mainly the East Coast area of Lahad Datu, Semporna and Padang Tunku area.I was also a member of the Committee that drafted the Survey report, and the Committee made Recommendations for the improvement of the Status of Dental Health of the School Children of Sabah.One of the main recomendations was that all Public Water Supplies should be Fluoridated.

In 1989 the then Sabah State Government took the most Unfortunate step of ‘discontinuing the Fluoridation of Public Water supplies in the State of Sabah’ Because “Water” was a state matter, the Ministry of Health could not do anything besides presenting the Report of the Special Committee of the World Health Organisation’ that did indeed recommend the “Fluridation (the optimisation of Fluoride levels) of the Public Water Supplies.That Special Committee of the World Health Organisation also noted that ‘Fluoridation of Public water supplies was the Most Cost-Effective Public Health Measure known to man’. Read more.

Even more disturbing is the revelation by Deputy Health Minister Rosnah Abdul Rashid Sharlin who obviously was ill-advised and didn't bother to find out the real situation in Sabah.She told a completely different story.

Either she is ignorant out of sheer laziness, like many of our politicians, or lied to cover the inconvenient truth.Being a Sabahan she is an embarrassment.

Her press statement at Kota Kinabalu on 25 April 2010:

KOTA KINABALU: In Sabah, 70% to 87% of our piped water supply contains fluoride, said Deputy Health Minister Datuk Rosnah Abdul Rashid Shirlin

Hence, there is a need to step up the promotion on oral health through holistic approach by taking into account our lifestyle, she said at the launching of ‘Oral Health Month’ at Palm Square, Centre Point yesterday.

The month of April has been designated for promoting oral health whereby the Malaysian Dental Association (MDA) members from both private and government sectors will provide free dental check-ups nationwide at shopping malls at different dates.

“Even though fluoridation water is effective for preventing cavities, it has its limitation. Statistically, in Sabah, fluoride has been added in water treatment plants in Kota Kinabalu, Beaufort, Labuan and Kota Belud. It will be fruitless if the general public does not look after their.Read more.

The prevalent of dental fluorosis due to excessive fluoride should not be the reason to completely stopped adding it to the water supply.Adequate measure should be taken to ensure not more than the sufficient amount is added to the treated water supply.

So, who is the liar here?

It looks like the minister.

This new kid on the block simply read out a prepared speech probably drafted by her ministry staff with out checking the real situation in Sabah.

A study done by Universiti Putra Malaysia in 2008 in conjunction with American-Eurasian Journal of Agricultural & Environment Sci showed that P.S.Nathan was right in his exposure of the truth.

Below is an extract from the report.

Abstract: This study aimed at determining the mean concentration of fluoride in drinking water from nine sites
in Malaysia. Three sites were in Selangor, one each in Perak, Melaka, Kelantan, Terengganu and the Federal
Territory of Kuala Lumpur and one in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah. A total of 689 households were chosen from which
a total of 2067 water samples were collected. They were obtained from two sources – treated piped water from
water treatment plants (WTPs) and groundwater extensively used for cooking and drinking purposes. Samples
were collected from pipes at homes or water buckets from wells. They were then stored in pre-cleaned HDPE
bottles and were analysed within the next 72 hours using a direct reading spectrophotometer model DR/2010
HACH Brand. Results showed that the mean concentration of fluoride in Sri Serdang, Selangor was the highest,
at 0.71 + s.d 0.12 mg/L, while the concentration of fluoride in the samples from Kota Kinabalu had the lowest
mean concentration of fluoride, at 0.08 + s.d 0.06 mg/L. Kelantan, Terengganu and Sabah states have ceased
fluoridation of treated water in the wake of higher cases of dental fluorosis amongst the population, which
explained the lowest mean concentration of fluoride from sites in these states. The mean concentrations of
fluoride in the majority of samples were lower than the concentration recommended by the health authorities
i.e. 0.5 – 0.7 mg/L, hence insufficient for eradicating dental caries. This was the main reason why fluoride has
been added into treated water. However, higher concentrations of fluoride i.e. 1 mg/L or more may alleviate the
occurrence of dental fluorosis, especially among children.

You can read the full report.Quick View

Not only Sabahans are given non-fluoridated water, we are also given turbid water most of the times that require heavy home filtration or boiling to make the water safe and drinkable.

Monday, May 24, 2010

The Untouchable Putra

Hantu Laut

Raja Petra finally crawled out of his secret hideout and openly challenged the Malaysian government to bring charges against him in British courts which he knew very well would not happen.

The Malaysian government would be foolish to even try.He is considered a political refugee not a fugitive criminal.The Brits are not likely to extradite him.

The Malaysian government is caught in a quagmire.They can't get him. They can't get him extradited. The British won't play ball.

Freedom to express oneself and personal liberty may not be a big thing in Malaysia but in the West it has become a religion.

For almost a year the Malaysian Police have no idea where he is, how he left the country and how to get him back.If they do, much to their embarrassment they are keeping mum, knowing to get him back is an exercise in futility.

Those who claimed to have been defamed by him won't get him either.If it is true that he is a bankrupt than you can't sue him.You probably can try but you wouldn't get anything or the court would ask you to refer to the Official Assignee's office.

Based on the roots of Western tradition if a person is persecuted for his or her political opinion or religious belief such person may be given protection by another sovereign nation.I believe he would be accorded such protection.He has been detained under the ISA twice which gives him more than enough reason to be given political asylum in Britain.

I am quite certain the British government has given him assurance of granting him political asylum should the need arises.His mother is Welsh and a British citizen or was a British citizen which removes the hurdles, if any, for him getting asylum in Britain.

Now, that he has resurfaced would he become an even bigger and inextricable thorn in PM Najib's flesh?

So, Raja Petra is sitting pretty in solidity, unchastened,untouchable and ready to renew his war on political corruptions and government impropriety.

We all know London is not a cheap city to visit let alone stay especially if you are earning ringgit.

Maybe, he can reminisce his younger days at the Stringfellows.

So, who is financing his stay in London?

Sunday, May 23, 2010

China Swingers' Club

A Swinger's Case: China's Attitude Toward Sex

By Austin Ramzy / Beijing Saturday, May. 22, 2010

Prosecutors say the 53-year-old Ma, who divorced in 2003, began pursuing group sex in 2007. According to authorities, he used online chat groups to set up 35 meetings over a two-year period, half of which he participated in. Some, they claim, even occurred in the small apartment belonging to his mother, who has Alzheimer's disease. (See photos of the making of modern China.)

Police tracked down the group and Ma was arrested last year, along with 13 other men and eight women, for organizing group sex sessions. His co-defendants all pleaded guilty; 18 were sentenced to jail terms of up to two-and-a-half years, while three were released without punishment. Ma, however, remains defiant. While he admits to organizing and participating in swingers' clubs, he says that because the activities occurred between consenting adults behind closed doors, he shouldn't be punished.

"Marriage is like water: you have to drink it. Swinging is like a glass of fine wine: you can choose to drink it or not," he was quoted as saying by the government's official paper China Daily. "What we did, we did for our own happiness. People chose to do it of their own free will and they knew they could stop at any time. We disturbed no one." (See TIME's China covers.)

Ma's is a view that some in China share. While experts estimate the number of Chinese participating in group sex at under 100,000 — a tiny figure in a country of 1.3 billion — some commentators have argued that the practice shouldn't be prohibited. "If there is no victim, then I think the government shouldn't interfere," says Li Yinhe, a prominent sexologist in Beijing. "It's a private matter."

Comments posted online show a mixed opinion. Many are critical of Ma's behavior. "You led a 22-person orgy. You have destroyed ethics and morality," writes one person on a Chinese microblog service at sohu.com. "This behavior has caused social chaos. People like you should be punished severely." But others argue that China shouldn't regulate the behavior of consenting adults in the privacy of their own homes. "What Teacher Ma did violates society's ethics and morality, but it's his private life," another person wrote on a bulletin board at xici.net. "Moreover, everyone was an adult, and everyone was a voluntary participant. What crime is there in that?"

Saturday, May 22, 2010

After The Tsunami

Hantu Laut

Sent by a friend.First time I have seen it.

Selepas Tsunami (After the Tsunami) from Pusat KOMAS on Vimeo.



I must admit this is a well made documentary selling the Pakatan's doctrine.It is as good as made for TV documentary.Haris Ibrahim is eloquent commentator.

Whether what were depicted and portrayed in the film were actually practised on the ground is hard to tell.Those who watch it can easily be swayed.

The only drawback is the witch-hunting in the beginning.Otherwise, it is a very good and productive production.

Lee Kuan Yew Advises Japan For Free

MM Lee “advises” Japan on U.S. base and immigration

Temasek Review

At an advanced age when most leaders would have retired and spend their remaining days at home with their families, PAP strongman Lee Kuan Yew continues to tour the world dishing out his “advice” to other leaders and teaching them how to run their countries.

During a symposium in Tokyo where he is currently on official visit sponsored by Singapore taxpayers, Lee urged Japan again to reconsider moving the U.S. air base out of the island of Okinawa.

“‘We believe that (the US) presence brings about stability and peace and I believe they need a base in the north-east. If there is no base in Japan, then they cannot deploy their weaponry and project their power sufficiently,” Lee was quoted as saying in the Straits Times.

He stressed the need for the US to act as a counterbalance to China. The last time he said this last year, it triggered a massive outcry among Chinese netizens who pettered him with unflattering names like “traitor to the Chinese race” and “lackey of the Americans”, prompting Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao to intercede on his behalf.

Lee also called on Japan to emulate Singapore’s example and accept more immigrants in order to grow:

“You have the choice to keep Japan homogeneous and shrinking and stagnant economically, or you accept immigrants and grow.”

With due respect to Lee, he has really no business to poke into Japan’s domestic affairs. It is up to the Japanese themselves to decide if they need more immigrants and not the government.

Had Lee tried to replicate his immigration policies in Japan, he would have been voted out of office a long time ago.

Even in Singapore, there is rising frustration, resentment and anger on the ground at the PAP’s liberal immigration and pro-foreigner policies which have caused tremendous suffering and hardship to ordinary Singaporeans.

According to a recent Wall Street Journal editorial, the relentless influx of foreigners has depressed the wages of Singaporeans, increased the cost of living and led to a decline in the quality of life.

Lee is indeed a rare “treasure” to the world. By his own admission last year, he is not doing much work lately except doing “forecasting”. Japan is fortunate to have Singapore’s “forecaster extraordinarie” to do some “forecasting” for its future absolutely free of charge courtesy of Singapore taxpayers who is paying Lee’s astronomical annual salary of more than $3 million dollars.

Friday, May 21, 2010

I Am Lawmaker Not Lawbreaker

Hantu Laut

I am not sure what to make out of Bung Mokhtar and his wife's joyful expression every time they meet the media.With grin from ear to ear he failed to see what people are seeing him as____ a clown.

"I am a lawmaker, not a law breaker" he says of himself with a smiley trophy wife in his arm and all that grins and smiles that proclaimed his idiocy.

Why are you going to jail if you are not a law breaker?

His infantilised remarks in Parliament are some of his idiosyncracies that have caused uproar in the august house and public outcry particularly from the ladies who took exception to his rude remarks about women.

This lawmaker not lawbreaker is a nut case of cheap publicity.

[<span class=

Fine him more than RM2000 and see whether he'll be smiling all over.

Taking another wife is his business and Islam allows him the privilege but as a lawmaker he should have known better. He should have been more discreet and exercise some subtlety not only to consider his first wife's feelings but injury to his own reputation.

Would I lie to you, bloody fair dinkum mate, he is now a lawbreaker.


Thursday, May 20, 2010

Anwar Ibrahim and Kit Siang's Deafening Silence

Hantu Laut

We always hear the never ending story of Anwar Ibrahim and Lim Kit Siang on the poor state of the Malaysian economy, painting a bleak picture of gloom and doom, of foreign investors giving Malaysia a wide berth and the imminent collapse of the economy.Are these two jokers going to say something good with this news that they did not anticipate.Malaysia came a remarkable No.10 in global competitiveness.

As usual most pro-opposition news portal and blogs did not carry the news.

Are the two jokers going to dispute the report put out by IMD, one of the world's top ranked business school.

Lairs always feed on their own lies.

Those who are interested can read the full report here [Full release with charts (PDF)]

Banning The Islamic Veil

Hantu Laut

First the minaret.The Swiss see the sharp pinnacle as an ominous bird of prey ever ready to pounce on them and devour them in a flash.Couldn't figure out where the threat came from.Now, the French see the purdah or niqab as a threat to their culture and have decided to impose a total ban of wearing the Islamic veil.

Would there be backlash violent in nature? Muslims are easily ignited by thing like this, by thing they see as an attack on the religion.A backlash from the extremists wouldn't be far-fetched.

Although, I don't agree with the French on the ban as it is an encroachment into a person's personal liberty, I also believe Muslims should try liberalise some of the negative aspect of their practices if they were to fit into the society they live in.As they say 'when in Rome do as the Romans do'.It is fine to use the purdah in the desert of Arabia when the desert storm is blowing in your face but why must women be forced to use this most uncomfortable attire in less harsh environment.

I can feel with the French people's discomfort with the purdah.Can you tell what's under the dress, a man or a woman?

Only a small fraction of Muslim women wear the purdah, either forced by the husbands or forced by peer pressure.

The French is taking a big risk imposing the ban.With so many act of terrorism can we blame them for being jittery?

Nicolas Sarkozy's cabinet approves bill to ban full Islamic veil

Despite warnings move could be anti-constitutional, French president gives it his full backing

kenza drider

Kenza Drider, born in France to Moroccan immigrant parents, who defends the right to wear the veil. Photograph: Remy De La Mauviniere/AP

Nicolas Sarkozy defended his ambition to impose a total ban on women wearing the full Islamic veil today, despite warnings that such a move could be anti-constitutional and socially incendiary.

As interior minister Michèle Alliot-Marie presented the bill to the French cabinet, the president reiterated his determination to crack down on a garment he considers to have no place in a secular society committed to women's rights.

"We are an old country anchored in a certain idea of how to live together. A full veil which completely hides the face is an attack on those values, which for us are so fundamental," he told his ministers. "Citizenship has to be lived with an uncovered face. There can therefore be absolutely no solution other than a ban in all public places."

The rightwing government is determined to push through legislation for a total ban and hopes to make it enforceable by spring of next year. Declaring that "no one can wear a garment in public which is aimed at hiding their face", the bill approved by the cabinet today envisages fining any woman in a niqab or burqa 150 euros.

As an alternative or possibly supplementary measure, they could also be made to take a course in the values of French citizenship. Husbands or partners who make women wear a full veil face a fine of 15,000 eurosor a year in prison.

The legislation, the product of almost a year's discussion and research by French MPs and the government, has focused attention on the country's estimated 5 million Muslims, in particular the small minority of around 2,000 women who are thought to wear the niqab.

This week has seen tensions flare over the issue: last night the police had to be called in to break up clashes during a debate organised by the women's rights group Ni Putes Ni Soumises (Neither Whores or Doormats) and disrupted by pro-Palestinian protesters.

In the western town of Trignac, according to a report in the local newspaper Presse Océan, a shopper tried to snatch the veil from the face of a Muslim woman who had allegedly hit her after hearing derogatory remarks being made about her niqab.

Although it has the support of the Elysée and most members of Sarkozy's rightwing UMP party, the total ban is likely to come under fire from MPs of other political colours when it is debated in parliament in July.

Many opposition figures, while favouring a ban of some kind, have argued the proposed legislation is inapplicable and advocated a more moderate measure that would still allow the niqab on the street.Read more..

Wednesday, May 19, 2010

Can't Buy Me Love,Can't Buy Me Vote

Hantu Laut

Many of you, unless you are one of those hate music type, must have heard or listen to the Beatles' hit "Can't Buy Me Love"

The lyric goes:

Can't buy me love, love
Can't buy me love

I'll buy you a diamond ring my friend if it makes you feel alright
I'll get you anything my friend if it makes you feel alright
'Cause I don't care too much for money, money can't buy me love

I'll give you all I got to give if you say you love me too
I may not have a lot to give but what I got I'll give to you
I don't care too much for money, money can't buy me love

Can't buy me love, everybody tells me so
Can't buy me love, no no no, no

Say you don't need no diamond ring and I'll be satisfied
Tell me that you want the kind of thing that money just can't buy
I don't care too much for money, money can't buy me love

The song goes:



At the Sibu by-election Prime Minister Naib told the crowd of Chinese voters "Let make a deal...you help me,I help you" and tried to entice them with "Ini bukan tipu" If you deliver me Robert Lau on Sunday, on Monday I will ask for the cheque to be prepared"

Najib goes:



What I say in my previous post before polling day:


Although, money is important to the Chinese, you can't pay a Chinese person to buy his vote.It's akin to try selling ice to the Eskimos.

Obviously, Prime Minister Najib does not understand the Chinese psyche.Chinese do not accept handouts unless they are really very poor.This buy-election may not work here.BN may still win but it is not for the lure of money or projects.

After winning Hulu Selangor Najib mistakenly stereotyped that what works in Hulu Selangor work every where.

A lesson learned.You can't buy Chinese votes.


When pressed by journalists the true meaning of the song, McCartney denied that "Can't Buy Me Love" was about prostitution.

Paul McCartney was right.
You can shower a girl with all the material things but you can't buy her love.

One thing for sure, you can buy sex.

Of Nepotism, Oligarchy And Plutocracy

Hantu Laut

Indonesia under Suharto was the ultimate dictatorial oligarch state.

Indonesia saw rapid economic growth under the new leadership of Suharto.With it came massive corruptions, nepotism,cronyism and rule by the oligarch.Suharto has a small circle of people whom he trusted.

Suharto formidable political skill and intricate nationwide system of patronage kept him in power for 32 years.Like most dictator Suharto run the country as a private enterprise giving business monopolies dominating vast sectors of the country's economic activity to his family members and cronies.There were indications that the family carted away some US$75 billion between 1966 and 1998.

In 1999, Time magazine conservatively estimated that Suharto and his six children still have, after the Asian Financial Crisis, US$15 billion in cash, corporate assets, real estate, jewelry and fine art stashed away all over the globe.Not bad for a man whose salary was US$1764 a month.

Every child of his was given monopoly of some sort.Even grandson has entrepreneurial skill.He gave his grandson monopoly over the supply and sale of beer on the island of Bali.

His controversial playboy son Tommy Suharto was linked to several allegations of corruptions, murder and money laundering.After Suharto's removal from office Tommy was imprisoned on corruption charges but later given remission and released without having to serve his full sentence.He was also implicated in the murder of a Supreme Court judge who sentenced him to imprisonment.

During his reign Suharto has brought significant economic growth to the country, was all powerful and remained unchallenged until his ouster by people's power in 1998. Suharto died in 2008 leaving behind a battered economy and a legacy of human right abuse,corruption and abuse of fiduciary duties.

Indonesia is beginning to recover from the ill effects of the Suharto's legacy.

Malaysia will see less influx of cheap labour from Indonesia over the next ten years as the Indonesian economy improves with higher growth and better earning for the labour market.

Sometimes, oligarchy can be cruel and tyrannical.It can ruin a nation.Rule by the privileged few does not necessary mean bad if leaders put the interests of the nation and its people first.

Singapore has shown that you can run a nation with a tight fist yet bring prosperity to the nation and its people.

Tuesday, May 18, 2010

Nepotism, Oligarchy And Plutocracy

Hantu Laut 

Oligarchy, is a form of government in which power rests with a small segment of society distinguished by wealth,family ties or religious affinity and  controlled by politically powerful families whose children are closely conditioned and mentored to be heirs to the oligarchs.

More often than not, oligarchy goes hand in hand with nepotism and plutocracy, a government ruled by the wealthy in which political power is provided by the power of wealth. 

South and South East Asia is a region more prone to this system of government where children of powerful politicians are groomed to continue the family tradition. Power in such states also means the power to amass wealth through abuses and corruptions. 

A good example is the making of the business oligarchs in Russia after the breakup of the Soviet Union where state enterprises were privatised and left in the hands of a small group of people.This handful of men who had become extremely wealthy and powerful and were greedy to the point of being criminal.Their chicanery eventually caught up with them.They have become so powerful that the government of Valdimir Putin found them becoming a big threat to his government and the nation.A crack down ensued.The purge of the wealthiest man in Russia. 

Oil tycoon Mikhail Khodorkovsky was arrested and jailed on charges of fraud and tax evasion. People capitalism, as the Russian called it made people like Khodorkovsky filthy rich almost overnight.He was reputedly worth US$15 billion in that short span of time. Khodorkovsky was a case of business oligarch whose head grown to big that upset the ruling oligarch , who has tremendous power to put anyone in misery. 

I will concentrate my essay mainly to Malaysia and to some extent other South East Asian countries where oligarchical power are almost institutionalised. 

In Malaysia, oligarchy cover the whole political spectrum, left and right.The epitomes would be Prime Minister Najib Tun Razak, son of former Prime Minister Tun Razak Hussein, Hishammudin Onn, also son of a former prime minister,Tun Hussein Onn and Mukhriz Mahathir, the son of former Prime Minister Mahathir Mohammad.Najib and Hishamuddin are cousins and Najib is closely allied to Mahathir. 

Family members of the oligarchs are also prominent in business. 

Najib’s brother Nazir Tun Razak control the CIMB group, a government linked company and a leading banking group in Malaysia.He is the second highest paid CEO in Malaysia earning RM9.35 million in 2007. 

Mahathir's son Mokzani and Mukriz control a number of private and public listed companies.Mokzani is reputedly worth around US$300 million.Forbes reported his net worth at US$290 million in 2008.

Another prominent business figure is the son of former Prime Minister Abdullah Badawi. Kamaluddin controls the Scomi group of companies and have net worth in the hundreds of million.Scomi was involved in the controversial manufacture of centrifuge parts for nuclear weapons destined for Libya through shady business partnerships. His foreign partner was jailed under the ISA.

Kamaluddin escaped prosecution under plea of ignorance.At the time of the controversy his father Abdullah Badawi was prime minister.Badawi also created controversy around his premiership in the name of his precocious son-in-law, a young Oxford graduate rising faster than the space shuttle in the political hierarchy that stymied other more senior and longer serving party members.

The oligarchs within the party weren't happy. Mahathir, mentor turned nemesis, got him booted out as prime minister in April 2009 and replaced by another Mahathir’s prodigy, Najib Tun Tazak.

The  man that could surpass the Forbes' list of the richest in Malaysia is none other than the once most powerful man in Malaysian politics who has kept himself low-keyed and out of public eye. 

Former Finance Minister Daim Zainuddin wealth is almost impossible to evaluate due to the intricate and stealthy network of his private holdings. A prodigy of the Mahathir's administration, Daim was tasked with all of UMNO's business dealings and political fund.The party never disclosed its financial affairs and Daim was almost the sole guardian of the party undisclosed finances. Daim left in 2001 and with him the secrets of UMNO's financial dealings.Many party members believe he pocketed billions that belonged to the party.Daim denied it and no charges and evidence has been brought against him. 

In spite of some of its failings the BN is still the best formula of power sharing in a multi-racial and multi-religious society.The tri-party Pakatan Rakyat looked too fragile a coalition to be able to govern as a united body. If you think oligarchy only exists in the ruling elite than you are very wrong.

The oppositions in Malaysia are just as much embroiled in the practice as those running the government.

PKR, a party run by Anwar and his family, wife and daughter are all in the midst. Drawn into politics out of sympathy, both wife and daughter were elected to parliament.

Anwar is in a fix, he has problem keeping his men loyal to the party.The departure of many PKR's elected representatives has to do with  autocracy within the party and the little napoleons that surround Anwar to narrow the power base and confined it to the inner circle.The maestro of this power play is Azmin Ali, the blue-eyed boy of Anwar. Some of those who have left are victims of his dirty politics.Anyone, who become too entangled,  too close to Anwar and a threat to his anointed position would be ridiculed and ostracised making their stay in the party untenable. Those who can't stand the heat left.PKR leaders who branded those who left as 'sampah' and claimed is good for the party and a cleaning up process is conned by their own lies.

Those who left were simply fed up with Anwar's autocratic leadership. Khalid Ibrahim is getting the brunt of Azmin psychological war.If Khalid cares to trace the source of his troubles he be surprised to find where the tributary leads him to.

A friend once asked me why Tunku Aziz joined DAP and not PKR. I told him I am not sure what the answer is, but I guess he probably know Anwar better than us.Only Tunku Aziz knows the answer and I guess he wouldn't tell. 

The biggest phenomena since March 2008 is the new heartthrob of the Chinese community. DAP, is no less innocent of such practice. The Lims virtually control DAP from head to toe.

Although, he no longer hold any senior position in the party, Lim Kit Siang has a stranglehold on the party and can exert undue influence on party members.The power he wields can be seen from the appointment of his son as the chief minister of Penang, brushing aside the imperative of appointing a Penangite to the post. His son Lim Guan Eng, like him, is also from Malacca, but has become national leader.He is now an icon of Chinese political prowess and power.
Guan Eng's wife is State Assemblywoman for Kota Laksamana in Melaka.

Karpal Singh, the National Chairman of the party can only roar but can't bite.DAP is certainly Lim's Incorporated. 

With its massive Chinese support, the party will grow from strength to strength and is likely to end up as the second or third largest single party in Parliament after the 13th General Elections. 

The BN would not be able to arrest the massive Chinese support for the party.MCA and Gerakan would become completely irrelevant.The BN only hope is to concentrate in Malay areas. 

 In the Philippines, the height of oligarchy was during Ferdinand Marcos's reign as president. After few years in the presidency he declared martial law and ruled the country by fear and decree.He closed down Congress, the media establishments, arrest opposition leaders and activists and run the country with an inner circle of sycophantic advisers, hanger-ons and soldiers of fortune.He was implicated in the assassination of Benigno Aquino Jr which eventually led to his downfall through people power revolution. 

Philippines, not unlike Malaysia, is a place where powerful political dynasties exist.Powerful politicians groomed their children to take over their roles in politics.

Where the stack is high and where it is imperative in keeping the family fortune, protected from political backlash the oligarchs must have family members in the running of government. 

The current president, Gloria Macapagal is the daughter of the late former President Diosdado Macapagal.The forerunner in the current presidential election Benigno Aquino III is the son of Benigno Aquino Jr, a senator assassinated during Marcos's time and mother to late former President Corazon Aquino.Corazon came from the Cojuango family, a wealthy Chinese-mestizo family that own vast tract of sugar plantation in Central Luzon and other businesses. 

More surprising is the entry of former President Joseph 'Erab' Estrada running for president again.He was ousted in 2001, indicted and imprisoned for corruptions, plunder and shady dealings while he was president.He was pardoned in 2007.

The Filipinos must be very forgiving people.He is currently trailing Aquino at number two.Astrada's son Jinggoy Estrada is a senator and another son is Mayor of San Juan City of Metro Manila.

Nepotism, oligarchy and plutocracy are breeds of the same caste, a head-scratcher that many in the region don’t understand! 

Monday, May 17, 2010

Money For Nothing

Hantu Laut

DAP won by the skin of its teeth.A win is a win.The BN election machinery buggered the whole campaign.They have a good chance of winning this seat but they blew it by over-indulgence.With so much goodies poured in the loss has become more terrifying.

As I have said in my previous post 'Veni,vidi,vici' the Foochows can spring a surprise and they did. The close call means DAP was unable to sway the Iban/Melanau votes.

There are several factors that caused the defeat.We'll have to wait and see the analysis when it comes out.


First and foremost, the Taib Mahmud factor and second equally damaging, the West Malaysian factor.

A week ago BN chance of winning the seat was much brighter.The last three days saw a complete reversal. The less than 60 percent turnout shows that many voters prefer to stay away.Side effect of the 'Greek Bearing Gifts'

Taib Mahmud is not well liked in many parts of Sarawak particularly with the Dayak and Chinese community due to his strong links with the big logging companies.Accusations of nepotism and corruption surrounds Taib and his family.

After almost 30 years at the helm Taib has yet to identify a successor.He is the second longest serving MP after Razaleigh and the longest serving chief minister.He has also put his son in parliament in the last general elections which got tongue wagging that his son would succeed him.This 'Bai Mao' or white-haired rajah as they called him has been too long in office and the people want him out.

Taib Mahmud understands local politics that's why he is visibly absent from the campaign other than his one or two lightning visits.

On the last day of campaigning an eye witness account of how much Taib is hated in Sibu tell of a story of a voter who went up to him and spat in front of him and overheard Taib saying in response "Ini bukan budaya kita, kamu mahu undi siapa kamu suka, undilah"

This is what can happen to a leader who overstayed his welcome. Taib Mahmud's tenancy expired some time ago and like most third world country's leader he is oblivious.

The state elections, which is round the corner, will be crucial for the BN.The West Malaysian wind of change blowing across the South China Sea has reached the shores of the East Malaysian state but it's too early for Pakatan to rejoice.It does not mean they can capture the state government in the forthcoming state elections.They probably can put a dent in the BN's armour and deny them the two-thirds majority.

In my previous post I said you can't pay a Chinese to buy his vote.

Obviously, West Malaysians politicians including our Prime Minister don't understand local politics and the Chinese psyche.Federal leaders should not have overwhelmed the campaign with their regular attendance.They should have left the whole campaign to local leaders.

Most West Malaysian politicians do not understand local politics in both Sabah and Sarawak.As much as I hate to say this, there are times, they actually become liability.Some East Malaysians particularly those in small towns and rural areas are xenophobic and couldn't relate to the politics of federalism.

The Chinese are not affected or moved by offering of instant noodles.... hefty donations and promises of better days when experience for the past 50 years tell a story of failed promises, indifference and uncaring leaders.

Najib's bag of goodies did not impress the Chinese at all and the unfortunate part is he may have to fulfill his promise if he wants to sail through the next by-election.

Sunday, May 16, 2010

Veni,vidi,vici?

Hantu Laut

Watch the oppositions.As soon as they feel the result would not be in their favour, the spinners, led by Master Spinner Lim Kit Siang would spin the yarn, why they lost? It is always the same old sob story.Thy were cheated.The BN cheated, the Election Commission cheated, pork-barreling, not level playing field and you name it, a litany of wrongs that's not of their making but Najib and his band of no good lackeys.

Najib came to Sibu twice in a week, unprecedented in previous by-elections when Pak Lah was the prime minister that rendered the BN a string of losses.

After drenching the place with all kinds of donation and promises of projects to come to protect his fixed deposit Najib should be aware that if he loses this hard fought battle it may be the end of his premiership come next general elections.If Sarawak and Sabah show the slightest mutinous tendency Najib should start visualising what the future beholds.

This Foochow's land can spring a surprise for him.


If you don't read history than you wouldn't know what the title means.Anway, with today's technology the answer is only a click away.

Saturday, May 15, 2010

Anwar Unmasked

Hantu Laut

There will be more of this where it is coming from.Anwar outwardly ethereal character has caught up with him.The article below appeared in a news portal, the Daily Caller that depicts him as a two-faced demagogue.


Upset the Jews, you'll soon find out, the pen, if not the gun, is mightier than the sword.

The art of deceiving D.C.

An outstanding example is Ahmed Chalabi, whose influence was critical to the U.S. invasion of Iraq in 2003. He also raised millions of dollars from American taxpayers for his Iraqi National Congress. Now back in his native-Iraq, this Macchiavellian political survivor has re-invented himself as a staunch Shiite advocate and close ally of Iran. A sense of betrayal overwhelms many of his original supporters in Washington.

Another recent convert to the chameleon cause is Anwar Ibrahim. From 1993-98, Mr. Anwar served as Deputy Prime Minister of Malaysia. After losing a power struggle with Prime Minister Mahatir Mohamad, Anwar was removed from power and imprisoned. During his years of incarceration, Anwar became a cause célèbre for human rights advocates. After his release in 2004, Anwar hit the international circuit, which included stints at the World Bank and lecturing positions at Oxford University, Johns Hopkins and Georgetown. His official bio on one website described him as “one of the forefathers of the Asian Renaissance”, “a leading proponent of greater cooperation among civilizations” and “an authoritative voice in bridging the gap between East and West.”

Anwar has returned to Malaysian politics and serves in the opposition. While the foreign policy of Malaysia’s current government is fairly in tune with U.S. and western policy, Anwar has decided that pro-Western sentiment does not serve his current political interests. He has begun preaching a conspiratorial rhetoric of anti-American and anti-Semitic nature. Particularly since the Malaysian government hired an American communications firm, Anwar has suggested that Israeli spies are directly involved in the running of the Malaysian government. He claims that the recent meeting between President Obama and Prime Minister Najib Razak of Malaysia was arranged by the influential “Jewish-linked” company which has resulted in Malaysia subservience to the U.S.

These statements will obviously shock Mr. Anwar’s supporters in the West, which include former Vice President Al Gore. They will provoke questions: have Anwar’s words been taken out of context? Perhaps they can be subject to interpretation? Is one failing to read between the lines?

Anwar’s statements are blatantly clear and direct. His rhetoric represents an unmistakable case of raw political opportunism and much more. Although opportunism is an inevitable fact of politics, it also has its limits. Particularly when degenerating into unacceptable demagoguery with obvious racist overtones.

How did Anwar’s transformation from reformer to rabble-rouse occur? The reality is that he probably always held these views. Over the years, he just simply tailored his message to different audiences according to necessity. After all, Anwar served for five years as Deputy Prime Minister to Mahatir Mohamad, renowned for his anti-Western and anti-Semitic tirades. This alone should have immediately raised red flags and serious questions about his ideological allegiances. It is not uncommon for the Washington establishment to be ill-informed, naively overlook significant facts, or willingly brush them aside. In the international realm, the Beltway Bubble often prevails.

In future, greater caution and prudence is required when endorsing foreign champions, particularly those eagerly preaching a message favorable to Washington. Furthermore, the tendency to confer automatic sainthood and infallibility on the persecuted, or those claiming persecution, must be tempered. Pry more and do not give an easy ride. After all, Washington will inevitably see the likes of more Chalabis and Anwars.

Sibu Buy-Election: Is Good Money Chasing Bad Money?

Hantu Laut

This little town has produced more millionaires per square mile than any other town in Malaysia.It has also made a few silent billionaires.Much of the wealth are in private holdings nicely tucked away from the proving public eyes.

Three most prominent families that have made their fortunes here, mainly through timber, courtesy of the BN government of Taib Mahmud, are the KTS group of companies led by its Chairman Lau Swee Nguong related to the current BN candidate Robert Lau Hiew Yau, the WTK group of companies led by TK Wong and Rimbunan Hijau group of companies led by Tiong Hiew King, nicknamed the 'Timber King' with logging interests all over the globe through his company Rimbunan Hijau. All three companies have logging interests that spun the globe, from tiny Solomon Islands to Papua New Guinea, Africa,Latin America and Siberia in Russia.

Rimbunan Hijau is also at the center of several controversies with Greenpeace on abuses in logging operations in Papua.

The Foochows are the most powerful and influential Chinese clan in Sarawak and the three families ranked highest in term of wealth and influence.

The KTS group also control two major newspapers....The Oriental Daily and Borneo Post while Tiong and Wong control Chinese national daily Sin Chew Jit Poh and Guang Ming Daily.

Where ever they go they to met the ire of the natives for destruction of the forest abodes of the indigenous people.Backed by powerful politicians and lots of money kept the lids on the simmering pots.Most complains against the logging companies, where ever they are, fell on deaf ears.

Will the power of money and his rich family connection give BN candidate Robert Lau the edge over DAP's Richard Wong? Much depend on the Chinese voters.Much also depend on the female factor.There are over 29,000 female voters in Sibu, mostly Chinese.Would they vote the handsomer of the two? Although, this is not a beauty pageant, looks, if not everything, does help to go the extra mile.Sarah Palin may not agree to this but in her case it wasn't her it was John McCain.

Money is very important commodity to the Chinese and they work hard for it.That's why they control the economy of most South East Asian countries and Malaysia is no exception.

Although, money is important to the Chinese, you can't pay a Chinese person to buy his vote.
It's akin to try selling ice to the Eskimos.

Obviously, Prime Minister Najib does not understand the Chinese psyche.Chinese do not accept handouts unless they are really very poor.This buy-election may not work here.BN may still win but it is not for the lure of money or projects.

Each constituency has its peculiarities.In rural and non-Chinese areas cash can be king.Cash can translates into votes but in urban and semi-urban areas where Chinese formed the majority it is the long term socio-economic development of the community that they are interested in and high on the agenda and one that eventually decides who gets the votes.

Being in the opposition voting DAP's Richard Wong into parliament may no help bring development to the place at this juncture.If he does win it would merely be protest vote against the BN. The real stealer would be the forthcoming state elections

Najib has promised hundreds of million in donations and projects to appease the Chinese of Sibu.Would they be grateful and vote for the BN candidate? Some are likely to vote for the BN candidate but not because Najib has drenched Sibu with money but more due to Lau's family clan connections and whatever good stead the family has with the local population.

In my previous post I predicted BN majority of between 2000 to 3,000.I believe they still can achieve that if they employ the right strategy.First, they must go all out to get majority of the non-Chinese votes, the Ibans,Dayaks,Melanau and Malays and must get at least 50 percent of the Chinese votes.Anything less is precarious to the BN.

Money is power.Money can buy almost anything, including integrity of the human souls.Without money life can be very miserable.There is plenty of money in Sibu.

Can money buy the Foochows?

Is Najib paying good money to chase bad money?


The result may differ from my earlier forecast due to changing circumstances the past few days.It is likely to be a close contest with BN having the upper hand.

Najib is working hard to win the seat.He is back in Sibu again today.He deserves a win.

Related article:
Malaysian Swan Song in Sarawak By-Election

Friday, May 14, 2010

The Corruptionists In Squeaky Clean Pakatan

Hantu Laut

Look like more PKR elected representatives would have to go walkabout soon if the flare up continue on the question of corruptions revealed here.

Malaysians who think these godsend saviours who are going to rescue this country from the clutches of the corrupt BN monsters should think again.Are we going to get what they promised? A corruption free Malaysia or are we being duped to believe that these morally upright people are going to deliver what they say?


The oligarchs.The most powerful father and son team that control the DAP and Pakatan.

They are only at state level at the moment.What would the scenario be when they take over Puterajaya with much bigger treasury and with tentacles all over the nation?

Would they become a new group of hungry monsters and replicate what the old monsters did?

Woo Choo Keong and Manikavasagam could next be on the firing line or they can declare themselves independent, depending how angry the three Ibrahims are with the two for washing their dirty linens in public.

More theatric here.

Thursday, May 13, 2010

Do You Still Want To Vote Pakatan?

Hantu Laut

How long can Pakatan Rakyat hold the Federal government should they win the next general elections before internal squabbles set in and break up the alliance? Even now the alliance is wobbly and is fluid for breaking up.

PKR, the most unstable among the three is saddled with defections.At the rate its members leaving the party it may not see the light of the next general elections. The cause, the consistently inconsistent leadership that's of Anwar Ibrahim.A man who rates himself too high on the IQ level resulting in him drowning himself in his own intelligence.A man who has become victim of self-importance.What is pleasant for the ears is pleasant for the souls.

Sibu, is a showcase of what could happen to this disparate alliance of political mismatch.PAS is conspicuously absent in Sibu.Where is PAS? With the exception of Nizar, who clearly is a DAP's lackey, why aren't other PAS leaders in Sibu to help in the campaign?

Below is Nizar's style of dirty politics that he so fondly accused Najib of doing when he was ousted as menteri besar of Perak.His venomous tongue is worse than a cobra's bite.Readers can judge for themselves from his speech where he even tried to speak Malay with a Chinese accent, what kind of a man he is.



So, who are playing with fire? His most invective speech to rile racial hatred between Chinese and Malays shows how bankrupt of ideas and dangerous he is.

What happen to the satu Bangsa Malaysia? Has PAS become an F word for the Chinese in Sibu so much so that they were afraid to show their presence in Sibu? Certainly, they can't use their Islamic badge in Sibu's
predominantly Chinese town but shouldn't people like Nik Aziz or Hadi Awang at least show up to show support and solidarity instead of sending the more than willing lackey of the DAP, the man who insulted his own Sultan for power and glory.

"Kita satu bangsa" is that a reality or a hype?

As we all know oil and water don't mix, one is more dense than the other.Oil, have by the will of God not only become a costly commodity but has also become master of the universe, always at the top.Without oil, everything will come to a grinding halt.Water, the elixir of life, without which humans can't survive, is taken for granted, always plentiful and always at the bottom.

DAP, is now the 'taiko' of Pakatan, always on top, PAS in the middle and PKR reduced to bottom rung of the ladder.Why hasn't Anwar Ibrahim given up his defecto leadership to Lim Kit Siang or Lim Guan Eng?

Just imagine two people with nothing in common,other than intuitively having good sex, marrying each other and the resulting incompatibility that they have to endure sharing the same house and bed after the honeymoon period is over.What do you get? Two poles apart.Try bring them together and see what you get.Repulsion, a feeling of intense distaste or disgust.Most ended in divorce.

What has PAS in common with DAP and PKR? Absolutely nothing other than wanting to grab Putrajaya.Do they have a common manifesto?


Other than barking at the corruption index of the present administration they have not shown as a viable alternative.By the transpiration in the states under their control it is highly doubtful they can even stamp out corruptions.

Selangor is deeply embroiled in charges of corruptions
.The MP for Kapar Manikavasagam has accused Menteri Besar Khalid of dereliction of duty for keeping a blind eye on corruptions and have threatened to expose the names of those involved.

Will it be a case of from the frying pan into the fire?

You can bet your money on it.They are worse.

Who'll take Sibu this time?

My crystal ball, which has a 50/50 chance of getting it right, says the BN with between 2,000 to 3,000 majority.

Wednesday, May 12, 2010

Let Sleeping Dog Lie

Hantu Laut

At last they come to their senses.

I believe the Prime Minister must have intervened and why shouldn't he, it is his head on the chopping block comes elections time, not the organisers or for that matter Tun Mahathir, which I find rather strange that he, according to the organisers, chose the date.

What Malay awareness could May 13 possibly bring for the good of the Malays.It is just a stark reminder of a bloody racial clash.

It is time to mollify, time for reconciliation and time to unite the people as one.Not to dig into the history book and chose a bloody part of our history to justify a calling of a Malay cause.There are other more auspicious dates that such an event could be held.

I am not against what the group is trying to do but they must choose a suitable time and May 13, for all intents and purposes, is not suitable.


It comes as a big surprise to me that Mahathir is actually deeply involved in organising the event, if what the organisers revealed is true. Certainly, not good news for Najib.

To Tun Mahathir I would say better let sleeping dog lie.You can response in other positive ways.

Tuesday, May 11, 2010

A Special May 13 Message.







Hantu Laut

Today, is the eve of the bloodiest day in the history of our nation.One that we need not celebrate or be reminded in remembrance.

I really don't know how to express my shocking disbelief when I read this piece of very disturbing news.

Is Najib's government going to allow this day in infamy to be exploited to cause more racial polarisation that would make a mockery of his 1 Malaysia.It seems the people who say they support him is also the vary same people who sabotage his policies.

Why would the nation need a grim reminder of a bloody tragedy that should have stayed home in the history book.Do we need to be reminded of bad patch of our history by organising a rally that could turn explosively sectarian.

What exactly the organisers wish to achieve?

Is the siege mentality of certain group going to do any good to our pluralistic society that would add further injury to the already thin membranes between the races.A time bomb awaiting ignition?

We have every right to defend our rights but going on the streets to remind the people of the nation's bloody history is just not on........ nothing less than a form of intimidation.

The Prime Minister should not condone this kind of action and the police should not issue a permit and should go out and arrest those who broke the law.They should get the same treatment as the Bersih and Hindraf demonstrators.

Anas Zubedy has done what we all should do if we want this nation to move forward or do what we shouldn't do......... destroy ourselves and reduce this nation to a beggar's state.

Click on the banner below to take you to Anas's blog.










To the organisers of the rally, I have only one message.


Don't do it.

Related article:Mahathir Fans Fear of Racial Politics

Why Missing Anwar Precarious To BN

Hantu Laut

"Lull before the storm."The Anwar second sodomy trail is much anticipated and if he is found guilty the ensuing political storm would have far-reaching effect on BN's position in the next general elections.

Why it is not in BN's favour if Anwar is found guilty and incarcerated.

Watch out this blog for "Why Missing Anwar Precarious To BN"

What Police Should Have Done The Day After.

Hantu Laut

Apology, it is exactly what the Police should have done after the fatal shooting of 15-year old Amirulrashid Amzah.Not be on the defensive and used bullying tactic to try snuff public outcry.

In my posting "Sorry, Is A Word Never Said Wrong" I epitomized first step the Police should have taken was to apologise to the boy's family for the fatal mistake. Saying sorry does not mean admitting liability which I reckon was the reason the Police refused to do.

The police should seriously consider employing a spokesman or spokesperson who is well-trained in people's skills and public relation.With a spokesman, mistakes made at his level, could be corrected later by the police top brass.

Whether the policeman responsible for the shooting is guilty of homicide is for the court to decide, neither the police nor the public.

Neville Spykerman of Malaysian Insider has given a good sequential actions that the Police should have taken after the tragic shooting.

Below is his take on what should have been done that would have saved the police the public hostility and odium.

Aminulrasyid and the police public relations disaster — Neville Spykerman

May 11, 2010

MAY 11 — The fatal shooting of Aminulrasyid Amzah is fast becoming a public relations disaster case-study-cum-manual for the police on how not to handle a crisis.

The manual for the brass should start with;

— Acknowledging mistakes from the word go

The 14-year-old schoolboy was shot dead in the back of the head. Pointing out that Aminulrasyid was out joyriding in his sister’s car is not going to mitigate the gravity of the tragedy or the culpability of the police.

— Apologise

Instead of issuing a sincere apology to the family for their loss, the police went on a public relations offensive. First by claiming they acted in self defence because the dead boy had attempted to reverse into them when the shots were fire and secondly that a parang was found in the car.

— Avoid demonising the victim

To add salt to the wounds of his family — Aminulrasyid and 15-year-old Azamuddin Omar, who was in the car with him, were initially labelled as criminals.

No efforts have been made by police to clear their names to the dismay of their families.

— Handling the expected public backlash professionally

Did the police really expect the public, media and politicians to lay back and swallow the “official version” of what transpired in the early morning of April 26?

Public outrage was only to be expected.

But again police decided the best defence is to go on the offence.

They issued what DAP’s Lim Kit Siang described as a “ham-fisted and unwarranted warning to politicians and public not to make statements or to speculate on the incident because it would further undermine public confidence in police integrity and professionalism”.

— Avoid portraying the police as the real victims in the tragedy

Tan Sri Musa Hassan threat “to call his men off the streets, if that is what the people want” following the public backlash was both self defeating besides portraying the cops as bullies who are unable to accept criticism.

The Inspector-General of Police demonstrated his inability to empathise with grief of the victim’s family and widespread public anger.

— Keeping the family informed

Is it really so difficult for the police to pick up the phone and inform Aminulrasyid’s family about the developments of the case?

Did it not cross the minds of police that they owed the family that much?

Or did they think it’s sufficient for Aminulrasyid’s family to learn that a police corporal was charged in court yesterday for his death by reading about it the press?

The death of Aminulrasyid is and will continue to be a stain on the uniforms of the men-in-blue as long as they choose to repeat these mistakes.

* Neville Spykerman is a senior reporter with The Malaysian Insider.

Now, that the police have identified the policeman and let justice to take its course, the public should stop making an issue out of it.

Let justice takes its course.

Monday, May 10, 2010

Women's Bitching Gives Home Minister A Headache.

HANTU LAUT

Most victims are women. What do women do? They go to the hairdressers ... they chit-chat and suddenly it is everywhere and cause people to fear,” Hishammuddin said.

The remark is not an insult to women it is an insult to Najib for appointing this kind of brain to his cabinet.This man has not, as far back as I can remember, since he was made a minister made any intelligible statement.He is what the Indonesian would say good at "homong-homong kosong".

People would accept if his brevity is the soul of wit.Unfortunately, he is not.There is nothing funny in what he says it is just a big void in his skull that incapacitated his judgement.No minister in his right mind would dare make such outrageously irrelevant statement.

As most women are victims of crime so he concluded that women's chit-chat are the cause of the rise in criminal activities and not because psychologically criminals tend to prey on the weaker sex, making them easy picking.

Was his remark the result of police survey given to him as Home minister that the rise in crime is attributed to women's relentless gossips and not due to police dismal performance or was it his own knee jerk reaction?

Such impertinence is an insult to the intelligentsia.No one holding public office should have the balls to resort to such rudimentary reasoning, let alone making it public.Even the Bocor MP's grabby angle sounds better than his skewed postulation.

If anyone were to be offended it would be the Prime Minister not the women in this country.

To downplay street crime to women’s idle chatter is infuriating and demeaning. Perhaps the minister needs to take a bus, walk to the shops and cross a street to understand how frightening it has become. For the record, most of us women cannot afford to go to the hairdresser,” said Women’s Aid Organisation’s executive director, Ivy Josiah.

You are too kind,Ivy.

I say, take a hike, Hishammudin.

Sunday, May 9, 2010

Charity Begins At Home

Hantu Laut

Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Nor Mohamad Yakcop says here Malays are lagging all over.Who's to blame, the Malays or Malay leaders?

Why are the Malays still lagging behind? Pure and simple, Malay leaders and rich Malays are not doing enough for their kin.

A good example is work of philanthropy which is almost absent in the rich Malay world.There are many rich Malays, most beneficiaries of the NEP, but how many of them you can count on your two hands are giving back to society, if not in general, at least to the less fortunate Malay community? There are some but the number is very negligible.

Why did I use philantropy as example?

Philantropy is the desire to promote the welfare of others particularly by giving one's best effort or money to the less fortunate without expecting any return.

Most of those that have amassed huge fortunes through hard work are more likely to give back to society rather than those who have acquired it through other means.

Did the government have a good policy to help the Malays? The NEP if confined to its noble objective is not a bad thing.It has become a bogeyman to the non-Malays not for its purposes but for its abuses.

Indeed, the government have a good policy, but as long as those in power uses it as a gravy train to enrich themselves and to keep them in power, not in a hundred years, would the Malays see a reversal of fortune favouring them.

Nor Yakcop can shout the next hundred years, nothing will change, unless Malay leaders stop providing lip service and start caring for each other.

A few rich Malays does not make all Malay rich.

Friday, May 7, 2010

Sibu Folks Remember Hadi Awang's Insult

Hantu Laut

What Hadi Awang said of the Dayaks during the Batang Ai by-elections last year is going to haunt Pakatan in Sibu. His statement below insulted the Dayak community.


b

Translated into English
. "All by-elections before this the results were in our favour, only in Batang Ai we lost because they do not understand how to vote, still in their loincloths.I don't mean to insult but only civilised places voted for PAS"

I think he meant Pakatan Rakyat.PAS can't stand in Batang Ai because it's not Muslim areas.

Does Lim Kit Siang expects the Dayaks to vote for DAP's candidate after the being insulted by Hadi, saying the Dayaks are pea-brained and still running around in loincloths meaning they are still primitive.

Only arrogant and racially and religiously bias politician would dare make such reckless and racially offensive statement.















Kit Siang campaigning on a plane on the way to Sibu.


Sibu, will it be payback time?

BN on the right track.



Thursday, May 6, 2010

Be Careful Whom You Select As Your Leader

Hantu Laut

Limbang in the pocket,oil rich blocks in the pocket.

Tell me how could someone be so stupid as to even consider sitting at a negotiating table for something already in the hands and under his full control?

Can a prime minister and his cabinet, without the approval of Parliament, dissolved sovereign rights over part of its territory, disputed or otherwise, to another country?

As a layman, not knowledgeable in constitutional law, I don't know, but I do know my common sense tells me it sounds not right.Something seriously amiss here.

Why was there no disclosure for a decision of such magnitude which deprived Malaysians in general and Sabah in particular of huge economic benefits?

Pak Lah only told half a story when he said Brunei has dropped the claim on Limbang which, sadly, was refuted by Brunei the next day making him looking like a fool.

Why was the surrender of the oil fields not mentioned before? Why were Pak Lah and the whole cabinet tight-lipped over the whole affair? Did Pak Lah bulldozes the thing through and presents it as a fait accompli to the cabinet giving them no choice but to endorse it?

The story only come to light when Murphy Oil have to make disclosure to the NYSE.

Did any member of the cabinet voice their objection to this rather unusual bilateral agreement that's more favourable to Brunei.If the area comes under Brunei why weren't they there first to stake a claim and start oil exploration?

Limbang should not be the subject of a claim.This territory was annexed during the times of the White Rajah and the sovereign right was reaffirmed when Sarawak was made a colony.Request by Brunei for return of the territory was rejected by the British on the ground that the people of Limbang do not want to be part of Brunei.Why Pak Lah and his cabinet members not bothered to look at the historical background is most puzzling.There shouldn't be any negotiation with Brunei on Limbang or the oil fields.

If Brunei can reclaim Limbang than the Philippines can reclaim Sabah and Thailand can reclaim some of the northern states of Peninsula Malaysia. It is absurd that based on disputed claim we caved in and gave away a goldmine.

What can Brunei do if we don't agree? Can they go to war with us? Will the British help them to go to war with us? These are pertinent questions we should ask ourselves before we sat at the round table.

We hold the trump card yet we lost.

We'll wait and see how Najib and the cabinet handle this very dicey issue.

Blast From The Past:The Man Who Makes Malaysia Part II

Malaysia:The Man Who
Friday, Apr. 12, 1963

TIME Cover

Never too choosy about where he got political support, "Harry" Lee first tried cooperation with the Communists, later adopted a "leftist, not extremist, nonCommunist, not antiCommunist" policy. It did not work; to save his political neck, he was forced to go for help to an old golfing partner—Abdul Rahman.

Merdeka. Abdul Rahman was so busy politicking that he had taken little military interest in the brutal, bloody guerrilla war that 350,000 British and Malayan troops and home guardsmen were waging against Communist insurgents in Malaya's tangled jungles. But after his 1955 election landslide, the Tunku grew afraid that the British might use the emergency to delay independence, arranged to meet the Communist rebel chieftains in northern Malaya to see if some sort of settlement could be worked out. "My ideas about Communism were determined by that meeting," says the Tunku. "I became convinced that once a Communist, always a Communist. They could never coexist with us in an inde pendent Malaya."

As the war in the jungle began taking a turn for the better, Abdul Rahman flintily told Britain that the time was long overdue for Malaya's independence. After months of haggling and delay, the Tunku finally forced Britain's Colonial Secretary Alan Lennox-Boyd (now Lord Boyd) to the conference table. Throughout the grueling, three-week session in London, the Tunku refused to budge from his ultimatum that independence must come no later than Aug. 31, 1957. "When the Siamese have no intention of yielding, they just appear stupid," he told subordinates. "I'm half Siamese, you know." At last, Lennox-Boyd got the point and caved in. On the Tunku's target date, independent Malaya came into being.

"Good Old Tunku." The Tunku had no revolutionary blueprint for his new nation, brought into his Cabinet his old London crony, Abdul Razak, to hammer out a program for orderly progress. While Abdul Rahman ground down hard on Red subversives, Minister of Rural Development Razak (in the post he will retain in Malaysia's new government) started a program of new roads, schools and clinics to boost the standard of living in the primitive kampongs (villages) of the interior, where the Communists were trying to gain a foothold. In the air-conditioned "operations room" of his ministry, gadget-loving Razak carefully watched the progress of his bulldozers on dozens of charts, movie screens and map displays, kept his program constantly ahead of schedule with his cold insistence on re sults—or else.